Ward 6 Weekly Update 9/29/2023

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September 29, 2023

Marijuana Smoking Ordinance

marijuana


This week, City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting smoking cannabis in City parks and within 25 feet of entrances, exits, windows, and ventilation intakes of public places and places of employment within the City of Saint Paul. 

I ultimately voted against this amendment in its current form, along with Councilmembers Mitra Jalali and Russel Balenger.  

The full language of the cannabis smoking amendment can be read here. This ordinance will not be in effect until thirty (30) days following passage, approval, and publication. Thank you to everyone who wrote, called, and showed up to speak at the public hearings for this issue. You can listen to the September 27th discussion and vote here


Fall Parks & Rec Activities, Free Winter Basketball

Attendees bundled up with hot chocolate at a fall movie in the park event


Last Chance to Register for Free Winter Basketball!

Don't miss out - youth winter basketball registration ends September 30! Registration fees have been eliminated for winter basketball for 10U and up (ages 9+) at all recreation center sites. Please note that fees apply for ages 4U, 6U and 8U. 

There's still time to register for fall swimming lessonsfall activities and Rec Check! Browse schedules and register online for babysitting trainingdance classes, tumblingmartial arts, cooking classesadult programs, arts & crafts, teen activitiesmusic classes, and more.


Saint Paul Snow Summit

Snow Summit 2023


Join us Saturday, October 14 for the first-ever City of Saint Paul Snow Summit at the Dale Street Public Works Garage (891 Dale Street).

Come celebrate all things snow in Saint Paul at this fun, free, family-oriented event geared to get Saint Paul residents ready for winter.

  • 9am - 11am - Alley Captain Conference & Connections (Limited space for current or interested alley captains only. Please RSVP on the website)
  • 11am - 2pm - Snow Summit Exhibits & Open House - Visit with different exhibitor groups, organizations, and departments to enjoy fun activities. Check out the City's snow plows and equipment.

Learn more about the event at www.stpaul.gov/snowsummit.


Free Meals for Seniors

NE Seniors Food Boxes


North East Seniors are resuming their prepared meals and food box program, also known as Doorstep Delivery. Food boxes are available for pick-up every other Thursday 1PM - 3PM.

Are you a senior living in the Greater Eastside of St. Paul and in need of groceries? Please fill out this interest form for an eligibility determination. 

Got questions? Email neseniorsforbetterliving@gmail.com or call (651) 808-1901. 


Arts Impact for Individuals Grant Program

metro regional arts council grant


The Arts Impact for Individuals grant program provides up to $5,000 for artistic projects in Minnesota led by individuals. Projects must be focused on creating access to the arts for Minnesotans, and/or engaging with Minnesota communities through artistic endeavors. This grant program is open to individuals who identify as any of the following:

  • Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color (BIPOC); and/or
  • Disabled/a person with a disability; and/or
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2+)

Check out last year’s Arts Impact for Individuals awards announcement to see the types of projects awarded before.

Applications due: October 23, 2023 at 11:59 PM
Eligible funding period: April 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025

For questions and assistance related to eligibility and/or preparing an application, please contact Scott Artley (scott@mrac.org or 651-523-6384). Or, fill out the application request meeting request form to schedule a time to meet with a staff member who can assist you.


ESNDC Friendly Storefronts Program

ESNDC Friendly Storefronts Program


Attention Ward 6 Businesses! Are you looking to refresh the appearance of your storefront this summer? Check out East Side Neighborhood Development Company’s Friendly Storefronts Program - Grant funding is available for façade improvement projects on a first come basis. See the flyer for general program guidelines, and send all inquiries to jmcgregor@esndc.org to start the application process!

Contact Us

Email: ward6@stpaul.gov

Phone: 651-266-8660

Facebook: NelsieYangWard6

Twitter: @NelsieYangCM

Meet & Greet virtual appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.


1% Sales Tax Info Sessions

1% Sales Tax Info Sessions


The City of Saint Paul is hosting information sessions to share more about the proposed 1% local sales tax increase. All events are free and open to the public. Learn more at stpaul.gov/salestax

Upcoming sessions:

∙October 2, 5:30-7 p.m., El Rio Vista Rec Center

∙October 3, 5:30-7 p.m., Battle Creek Rec Center

∙October 4, 5:30-7 p.m., North Dale Rec Center

∙October 9, 5:30-7 p.m., Hayden Heights Rec Center

∙October 11, 5:30-7 p.m. Highland Park Community Center


ReThink Disposable

ReThink Disposable


Are you a business owner and want to save up to $22,000 annually? Rethink Disposable is a FREE program that helps businesses and institutions switch from single use disposables to reusables for dine-in. Costs and technical assistance is available through Clean Water Fund.
Email Chloe Kintop at ckintop@cleanwater.org for details. 


CERTs Clean Energy Seed Grants

CERTs Seed Grant


Clean Energy Resource Teams is giving out $5-10k grants for clean energy projects.

Clean energy projects can include energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, electric vehicle-related projects, and energy storage.

See if your clean energy idea is eligible for funding!


Neighborhood Community Safety Council

office of neighborhood safety


The Office of Neighborhood Safety has established a Neighborhood Community Safety Council to support its work. 

The council is expanding to include more members from throughout the city. Apply to be part of the Neighborhood Community Safety Council.


Ward 6 Year Round STAR Grant

Ward 6 STAR funding


If you run a business or non-profit in St Paul Ward 6 and are you needing to make a permanent improvement (lasting 7+ years) to your building, you may be eligible for Ward 6 Year-Round STAR Funding!

Please email our office with information on your project to receive an application. Read full STAR eligibility guidelines here. Applications are subject to approval from the Saint Paul STAR Board and Saint Paul City Council.  


Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens

Property tax deferral


Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens through the State of MN may allow you to defer a portion of the property taxes you owe. Visit the link above or call 651-556-6091.


Join a State Board, Committee or Commission

MN Secretary of State openings


The MN Secretary of State has a large number of open seats on various state boards, commissions, and committees. If you live or work in the City of St Paul, one of these spots could be for you! View and apply for open state board, commission, and committee positions here.


COVID Testing and Treatment Resources

Test to Treat


Find test-to-treat locations  where you can get and fill COVID treatment medications same-day. 

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Self-testing